It’s June 30! A very important date in the football calendar with a number of players leaving clubs following the expiration of their contracts.
From tomorrow, July 1, those who have been let go will be free to sign elsewhere and commence a new chapter in their careers. Earlier in the month, Arsenal confirmed their released list and the most high-profile name featured to be departing the Emirates Stadium today is Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
“I’ve seen a lot of players come and go and played with a lot of fantastic players throughout my time here. Unfortunately, it has to come to an end, but I’ve been happy every single moment I’ve been here to play and work for this club.
“The trophy wins would probably be the best moments for me, obviously some of the domestic seasons weren’t so great but at least I got to win some trophies with the club that I love. The FA Cup final was a fantastic day that will always stick in my mind, and I was happy to be a part of the team that won it.
“There have been some lifetime relationships that I’ve built since I’ve been here. I can only be thankful for the people that have come into my life and helped me since I’ve been here at the club. I’ll always be here to support the team and the boys and hopefully they can win something in the future. For any supporters out there, just be true to the team. They’ve come a very, very long way this season and it’s been fantastic to watch. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner!”
With that said, Maitland-Niles-year-old isn’t the only player leaving Arsenal today as Matt Smith – who was on the bench for the 2020 FA Cup final
 – is also bidding farewell alongside Joel Ideho and George Lewis, somewhat of a forgotten signing having failed to make a single first-team appearance.
Including Women’s first-team trio Mana Iwabuchi, Rafaelle Souza and Fran Stenson, it means there are as many as 13 players across the Arsenal various squad who will be leaving the club for the final time today.
Here are the players who will be leaving Arsenal on June 30, 2023:
Men’s and Women’s first-team, U23 and U18 squads:
The 25-year-old officially ends his long association with his boyhood club and in a pre-recorded message that was shared on June 16, the versatile midfielder bid an emotional farewell: “Words can’t describe how I’m feeling to be honest, it’s been a very emotional journey,” he said. “Having supported the club growing up and coming through the ranks, I can only be happy with what I’ve achieved since I’ve been here
Zach Awe
Joel Ideho
George Lewis
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Matt Smith
Tom Smith
Mana Iwabuchi
Rafaelle Souza
Fran Stenson
Men’s scholars
Kaleel Green
Alexandar Kovacevic
Tino Quamina
Mathaeus Roberts
When the Gunners communicated their retained and free transfer list on June 16, it was noted that Reiss Nelson’s contract also ends on June 30, 2023 but that negotiations were ongoing. Whilst football.london understands that talks are now in the final stages, with the club confident a deal can be finalised, there hasn’t been an official announcement just yet.
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